Systems and method for applying biocompatible encapsulation to sensor enabled wound monitoring and therapy dressings

Abstract

Devices and methods for encapsulating a portion of a wound dressing with a coating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method can comprise positioning a substantially flexible wound contact layer of the wound dressing on a perforated plate. The wound contact layer can include a first side supporting a plurality of electronic components protruding from a surface of the first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side can be substantially smooth. The method can further comprise applying a vacuum to the wound contact layer through perforations in the perforated plate to hold the wound contact layer against the perforated plate and coating the wound contact layer with a coating.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.K. Provisional Application No. 1816838.5, filed on Oct. 16, 2018; the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField[0002]Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for the treatment of tissues via sensor-enabled monitoring in communication with various therapy regimes.Description of the Related Art[0003]Nearly all areas of medicine may benefit from improved information regarding the state of the tissue, organ, or system to be treated, particularly if such information is gathered in real-time during treatment, many types of treatments are still routinely performed without the use of sensor data collection. Instead, such treatments rely upon visual inspection by a caregiver or other limited means rather than quantitative sensor data. For example, in the case of wound treatment via dressings and / or negative pressure wound th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of coating a flexible wound dressing using a vacuum system. The method involves placing a wound contact layer on a perforated plate and using a vacuum to hold it in place while coating it with a coating. The method also involves supporting the wound contact layer in a flat position during the coating process. The technical effect of this invention is a more efficient and accurate method of coating wound dressings.

Problems solved by technology

Instead, such treatments rely upon visual inspection by a caregiver or other limited means rather than quantitative sensor data.

For example, in the case of wound treatment via dressings and / or negative pressure wound therapy, data collection is generally limited to visual inspection by a caregiver and often the underlying wounded tissue may be obscured by bandages or other visual impediments.

Even intact, unwounded skin may have underlying damage that is not visible to the naked eye, such as a compromised vascular or deeper tissue damage that may lead to an ulcer.

Similar to wound treatment, during orthopedic treatments requiring the immobilization of a limb with a cast or other encasement, only limited information is gathered on the underlying tissue.

Further, braces and / or sleeves used to support musculoskeletal function do not monitor the functions of the underlying muscles or the movement of the limbs.

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